“I love the club, but love playing football more” – Midfielder opens up on Spurs exit

Former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama has expressed his love for the club, but admitted that he had to leave Spurs to increase his playing time.

The 28-year-old, who joined MLS outfit at the beginning of March, made just four appearances for Tottenham this season – playing just 24 minutes in the Premier League.

Wanyama was initially signed by Mauricio Pochettino in the summer of 2016 and was a key part of the Spurs side that finished 2nd in 2016-2017, forming an outstanding midfield partnership with ex-man Mousa Dembele.

However, the previous three seasons have been a struggle for Wanyama, who has suffered a number of injuries, plus loss of form, which has seen even the likes of Oliver Skipp move above him in the pecking order in central midfield.

Wanyama discusses his frustrations of not playing, approaching Pochettino for answers as to why he wasn’t in the side, before going on to praise Tottenham’s former manager.

In an interview with The Athletic, the Kenyan international said: “I was frustrated and when I came back from injury I didn’t get enough chances to play and enjoy my football.

“When I came back, the club should have trusted me and given me more chances to play again. I was fit and training well. I never argued with [Mauricio] Pochettino but I wanted to speak to him. I went to his office, but he was busy. I saw his assistant Jesus [Perez]. He told me to be patient, that my chance would come blah, blah, blah. I didn’t go to see them again.

“That’s why I left the club. I’m a football player and I wanted to play football. I love Spurs, but I love playing football more.

“He [Pochettino] knew defences well, he offered expertise in training. He communicated well in English. He encouraged a passing game. He was good on team bonding. We walked over hot coals and broke arrows using our necks to drive away the fear, to change our mindset [at Saints] from being a small team to a respected one.”